August 14, 2026 | 6 Free Events in Toronto Today

Blackout Anniversary Party 2003-2026
Trinity Bellwoods Park (south side) | 6p–midnight

This is the event you'll hear about after it happens. Twenty-three years since the lights went out across the northeast, and Toronto's marking it outside, together, & loud. It starts with a picnic which turns into a bike rave and into a parade and party in the streets.,

INSTITUT on Instagram: "◼️BLACKOUT ANNIVERSARY PARTY is back◼️ ▪️This Friday. ▪️August 14. ▪️Trinity Bellwoods - South end. ▪️6pm - picnic ▪️8pm- bike rave ▪️9pm - parade ▪️Bring supplies for the after-party. With: @lemonbucketorkestra @littlerambunctious @sambaelegua.toronto @maracatumaraberto @rud

214 likes, 4 comments - institut.to on August 10, 2026: "◼️BLACKOUT ANNIVERSARY PARTY is back◼️ ▪️This Friday. ▪️August 14. ▪️Trinity Bellwoods - South end. ▪️6pm - picnic ▪️8pm- bike rave ▪️9pm - parade ▪️Bring supplies for the after-party. With: @lemonbucketorkestra @littlerambunctious @sambaelegua.toronto @maracatumaraberto @rudyraykwaku @figure8tion @_justprince @zahrava_theater @serjj_titov @tamarilana @bikerave.to @michaellouisjohnson And more… Come on a magical journey and celebrate Toronto the GOOD ⭐️ Poster by @dromartistcollective".

Instagram

What I Wish You Knew: Unsaid Words & Origami Flowers
North York Central Library | 6:30p

A quiet one. You'll write out things you haven't been able to say to someone, then learn how to fold kusudama flowers. The kind of evening that asks something of you and gives something back.

What I Wish You Knew: Unsaid Words & Origami Flowers

A quiet session of origami and writing. We’ll write out things we wish we could say to someone, and learn how to fold kusudama flowers.

Eventbrite

Outdoor Movie: The Princess Bride
Bell Manor Park | 8p

A movie to see in a park, if ever there was one. A classic and one that TOPS pulls off so well. If you've been putting off going to see a movie this summer, go tonight.

Friday Night Music Open Mic
The Greenwood, 1374 Queen St E | 7–10p

Casual Friday open mic at a neighbourhood café on the east end. Play something, or just show up and listen.

Friday Night Music Open Mic at The Greenwood

Join us for a chill Friday night at The Greenwood Cafe with live music and an open mic - come show off your talent or just enjoy the vibes!

Eventbrite

Bois Caiman 2026: Road To Freedom
YorkU Centre for Research on Latin America and the Caribbean (CERLAC) | 6:30–8:30p

A commemoration timed to the 235th anniversary of the gathering at Bois Caïman in 1791; the ceremony that helped set the Haitian Revolution in motion. The evening traces the longer road to that moment: marronage, resistance, figures like François Makandal. Conversation, performance, music, and community.

Bois Caiman 2026: Road To Freedom

Bois Caïman 2026: Road to Freedom is a commemoration of the historic gathering held over the night of August 13–14, 1791.

Eventbrite

Curre Club 6am Run
Neo Coffee Bar, King & Spadina | 6a

Meet at 5:50 a.m. for a 6–7 km run through the city before the day gets going. Front group holds a 6:00 min/km pace. Who needs coffee if you can get here for 6am and start running.

Friday Morning 6am Run with Curre Club

Every Friday at 5:50 a.m., we gather at Neo Coffee on King & Spadina for a 6 -7 kilometer run. The front group maintains a 6:00 min/km pace.

Eventbrite

Farmers' Markets
Scadding Court Community Centre, 2:30p-8p | Thorncliffe Community Market

Live Music
Village Of Yorkville Park, 11:30a-2:30p | Evaristo
College Park, 5p-6:30p | Luis Anselmi

Art Exhibits
Harbour Square Basin | Global Convenience
Forest Hill Library, 10a-5p | Faustine Mendoza
North York Central Library, 10a-5p | Fatyma Khan
Museum Of Toronto, 11a-5p | The T.O. You Don't Know
Budapest Park, 11a-5p | SHADE
Fort York, 11a-5p | Rebirth
Loohoo, 1380 Queen St W, 12p-6p | Extravagant Eats
Toronto Reference Library, 9a-8:30p | Toys Alive!